Representative Diego Hernandez was found to have violated several Legislative rules on Personnel by the House Committee on Conduct. The Committee consists of two Democrats, Representatives Julie Fahey (D-Eugene) and Tawna Sanchez (D-Portland) and two Republicans, Ron Noble (R-McMinneville) and Raquel Moore-Green (R-Salem).

Tearful testimony was provided by "Subject Two," a person who had, but attempted to end, a relationship with Representative Hernandez. She detailed several attempts to end the relationship and how Hernandez persisted and used his position to pressure her. According to the investigator's report,

Subject Two stated that Rep. Hernandez was verbally aggressive in connection with her work at the Capitol after their intimate relationship ended. Rep. Hernandez denied this. As set forth above, Subject Two stated that she was uncomfortable and felt unsafe doing business at the Capitol (either in-person or virtually) due to the abusive nature of her relationship with Rep. Hernandez.

At one point during the work session, in which the committee members voted on Representative Hernandez's conduct, Chair Julie Fahey remarked that the lack of discussion did not indicate a lack of interest, but instead indicated that the offenses were so clear-cut. Committee members voted unanimously on all of the nearly all of the factual and conclusive allegations against Hernandez.

Hernandez has contended that the committee has been driven by the political agenda of House Speaker Tina Kotek (D-Portland)

The committee will reconvene tomorrow, Wednesday, February 3 at 5:30pm. In the past, Hernandez has been vocal on social media regarding the conduct of Republicans.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2021-02-02 19:17:51

Last Update: 2021-02-02 19:47:38